KA-EMDR®

KA-EMDR® is an innovative trauma treatment that blends two powerful tools-EyeMovement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and low-dose sublingualketamine-to help clients safely and effectively process traumatic memories andadverse life experiences that are contributing to present day distress and challenges.KA-EMDR® was developed in 2024 by Danielle Ciccone and Michele Topel, experts inboth EMDR therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy, and co-founders ofKetamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute.

How It Works

This therapy uses low-dose (psycholytic) ketamine, which clients self-administer withdirection from a licensed medical provider. The dose is low enough to keep clients alertand engaged-unlike psychedelic or dissociative doses where people often "go inward"and can't actively participate in therapy. Instead, the goal is to enhance emotionalopenness, reduce anxiety, and expand the window of tolerance, making it easier to workthrough difficult material in session.

Ketamine is not provided or administered by the therapist. Collaboration with aprescribing medical professional is required and there will be additional costsassociated with the medical evaluation and ketamine prescription.

Why Combine Ketamine with EMDR?

EMDR therapy supports the brain's ability to reprocess traumatic or upsetting memoriesthat may be "stuck" or unintegrated, and which can contribute to symptoms such asanxiety, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, avoidance behaviors, emotionaldysregulation, or a negative self-concept. This process is believed to work by activatingthe brain's natural information processing system, allowing traumatic memories to beintegrated into broader, more adaptive memory networks.

Ketamine adds another layer of support. There is scientific evidence suggesting thatketamine may support the process of revising and updating emotional memories withnew information. When combined with EMDR, ketamine may create a unique window ofopportunity where the brain becomes especially open to positive change, allowing oldfear-based or negative patterns to be transformed. Ketamine has also been shown tohelp clients feel more relaxed and more emotionally open.

What the Research Says

Studies have shown that ketamine:

Enhances synaptic connectivity and neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new,healthier patterns.
Reduces activity in the Default Mode Network (DMN)-the part of the braininvolved in rumination and self-critical thinking-promoting a more mindful andopen state of awareness.

A recent pilot research study (Topel & Ciccone, 2025) exploring the use of KA-EMDR®found that clients reported noticeable reductions in PTSD symptoms after severalreprocessing sessions. Participants described feeling safer, more emotionallyconnected, and more open to the healing process. Reported side effects were minimal.While these early findings are encouraging, more research is needed to confirm theseresults in larger and more diverse populations and in randomized controlled trials.

Why This Approach May Be Helpful for You

You remain conscious and in control during sessions.
Ketamine helps reduce fear and psychological defenses, making EMDR moreaccessible and effective.
The process is designed to be gentle, time-efficient, and highly targeted totrauma symptom resolution.
The psycholytic (low-dose) model is shorter and more cost-effective than fullpsychedelic treatment sessions.

In short, KA-EMDR® is a science-informed, trauma-sensitive approach that can supportdeep healing by enhancing the brain's ability to update and release painfulmemories-without requiring a psychedelic experience.

Important Disclaimers

KA-EMDR®is a novel approach that is not appropriate for everyone. Athorough medical and psychological screening is required to determine if thistreatment is safe and appropriate for you.

Ketamine must be prescribed by a licensed medical professional and takenas directed, with appropriate medical oversight throughout the course oftreatment.

Therapists do not administer or supply the medication.

This therapy is still considered an emerging treatment. While early resultsare promising, larger clinical studies are needed to fully establish its long-termefficacy and safety.

Ketamine has potential side effects and risks. Although low-dose ketamine isgenerally well-tolerated, possible side effects include nausea, headache,dizziness, blurred vision, mild dissociation, increased emotional sensitivity,increased blood pressure, and increased heart rate. These are typically short-lived and manageable in a controlled setting.

This therapy does not guarantee symptom relief. As with all treatments,individual results may vary, and symptom reduction depends on multiple factorsincluding trauma history, readiness for reprocessing, and engagement in thetherapy process.

The Ketamine Assisted EMDR Therapy Institute does not provide medical services, does not prescribe or administer ketamine, and assumes no liability for individual clinical outcomes or for the actions of independent providers utilizing this therapeutic approach. Clients are responsible for discussing risks, benefits, and appropriateness of treatment with their healthcare team. Please speak with your therapist and prescribing medical provider about whether this treatment is a good fit for your needs, and to understand all the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

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